How to put firmware on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways and nuances

Why users are flashing Xiaomi Redmi and when it really is necessary

Installing custom or official firmware on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a procedure that can both save the device and turn it into a “brick” if you approach it without preparation. Most often, owners resort to firmware in three cases: when they want to get rid of advertising in MIUI, get the current version of Android on outdated models (for example, Redmi Note 5 with Android 8), or restore functionality after a crash.

But it's not always a good firmware, because if your Redmi is stable, but you just want to play around with new features, think twice. Official OTA updates are 90 percent more reliable than manual firmware because they're tested for compatibility with the hardware of a particular model. On the other hand, custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience delivers a clean MIUI-free Android, which many users like.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of firmware (via Fastboot, Recovery, and even with the help of a PC), and also tell you how to avoid typical errors, starting with preparation, the most important step.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you download the firmware, make sure your device is ready for the procedure. Neglect of preparation is the main reason for the "bricking" of smartphones.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the battery power (minimum 60%)

Find out the exact model of the device (Settings → About the phone)

Download the correct firmware version (Global/China/EU)

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC (if you are flashing through your computer)-->

Pay particular attention to firmware versions. Xiaomi has three main types:

• 🌍 Global (MIUI Global - official firmware for the international market, supports Google services, but may contain advertising.
• 🇨🇳 China (MIUI China - Chinese version without Google, but with local services, not recommended for everyday use outside China.
• 🇪🇺 EU (MIUI EU) — Unofficial community build, no ads, and with advanced settings.

To find out the current firmware version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Write it down to help you choose the right file to update. For example, if you have a Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 14.0.3 Global, don’t download MIUI 13 – that’s a step backwards.

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If you're flashing Redmi for the first time, start with the official Global version.Castom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and can be unwarranted.

Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for custom firmware

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure that prevents unofficial software from being installed. If you plan to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) or even official MIUI EU, the bootloader will have to be unlocked.

The unlocking process takes 3 to 15 days (due to Xiaomi’s policy) and requires:

1. Create a Mi Account and link your phone to it.
2. Submit an application for unlocking through the official Mi Unlock tool.
3. Expectations of confirmation (usually 72-360 hours).
4. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and unlock.

Important: once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will automatically reset to factory settings, so backing up data is a must, and also note that unlocking it can take away your warranty if the device is still in warranty service.

Yeah, I've been using custom firmware for a long time.

No, but I'm planning to unlock it.

No, I'm not.

I don't know what that is.-->

Xiaomi Redmi firmware methods: which to choose

There are three main methods of installing firmware on Redmi:

For most users, the best option will be firmware through Recovery (if you update the official version). MIUI) Or Fastboot (if you're installing custom or resetting your phone). EDL (Emergency Download Mode is only used in extreme cases where other methods do not work.

Let’s look at each method in detail, starting with the simplest.

Firmware through Recovery: step-by-step instructions

This method is suitable for installing official MIUI updates without using a PC. It does not require unlocking the bootloader, but only works with firmware files in.zip format for Recovery.

Here's how to do it:

1. Download the firmware from Xiaomi's official website. Choose your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11) and version (Recovery ROM).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update (or MIUI Update).
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
5. Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.
6. After restarting, the phone will automatically update.

If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Don't panic. Wait 10 to 15 minutes -- sometimes the first download takes a long time. If after that time, nothing has changed, try going to Recovery. + Power) and repeat installation.

Fastboot Firmware: For Experienced Users

Fastboot is universal: it is suitable for installing both official and custom firmware, as well as for recovering the phone after crashes. However, it requires an unlocked bootloader and basic knowledge of working with the command line.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🔧 Archive with firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot.
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot from Android SDK.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with the firmware in a folder on the PC (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
5. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to end (5-10 minutes).

If you use fastboot manually (e.g. on Linux/macOS), the commands will be:

fastboot devices # Check the connection


fastboot flash all # Install firmware (if the file is called flash_all.sh)




fastboot reboot #Reboot

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If the Mi Flash Tool is 0x80070002 error, try running the program on behalf of the administrator or installing the driver manually through MiPhoneManager.

Common Firmware Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:

• ❌ Anti-rollback error – appears if you are trying to install firmware with an older version of anti-rollback protection. Solution: download firmware with the same or newer version of protection.
• ❌ The phone doesn't turn on after you've run the firmware -- it might not be right for your model, or it might be a corrupted file -- so you can repeat the firmware through Fastboot or EDL.
• ❌ The error "This package is for..." means you're trying to install firmware for another model. Solution: Check the file name and phone model.
• ❌ Fastboot doesn't see the device - a problem with drivers or cable.Solution: try another USB-port, cable or reinstall the drivers.

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If your IMEI is missing or your network is not working, restore it using the engineering menu (#4636##) or the QCN Rebuilder tool.

Another common problem is hanging on the MI logo after the firmware.

• Incompatibility of firmware with iron (for example, firmware for Redmi Note 9 on Redmi Note 9S).
• Damage to the system or boot partition.
• Conflict with a previously installed custom recapaveri (for example, TWRP).

In such cases, it will help to re-flash through the Fastboot with a complete cleanup (Clean all). EDL-Mode (but you need an authorized Xiaomi account or a special box).

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi firmware